10 Best Tourist Places in Kerala that you must visit in 2021

God’s Own Country, Kerala is one of the must-visit places in India. The tourist attractions in Kerala tempts, pleases and of course grants unforgettable experiences. This paradise in India has hill- stations, backwaters, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, commercial cities, scenic hamlets and much more to explore.

The coastal state snuggled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, is pleasing throughout the year. Be it family vacationers, honeymoon couples, solo backpackers or adventure lovers, there is something for everyone.

10 best tourist places in Kerala with pictures – You must visit once in your life

Alleppey – The Venice of India

Alleppey tops the list of best tourist attractions in Kerala. The city was titled the ‘Venice of the East’. The backwaters in the area are perfect for a houseboat vacation. Go exploring on the watery routes. The houseboats are age-old modes of transportation revamped with a plenitude of luxuries equivalent to a 5-star hotel. The scenic landscape is a soothing sight. Watch coconut groves, paddy fields, ducks and lilies and quaint villages pass by. The cuisines are of note as the fresh produce of the water makes place in your plate. Experience bliss like never before! In addition, do not miss the Snake Boat Race is held in August/ September.

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Places to visit in Alleppey:

• Best time to visit: September to mid-May
• Nearest airport: Kochi Airport at 53 km.
• Nearest railway station: Alleppey Railway Station is in the city.

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Munnar – South India’s Tea Heaven

Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill station in Kerala. Snuggled at 6000 feet, the town has an easy charm. The gradient and the salubrious weather of this hill are perfect for tea farming. The hill station has about 80,000 miles of tea plantation. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Kerala for Tea & Spice plantation tour. The town has an old-world colonial feel to it. Enjoy a relaxing stay in comfortable hotels in Munnar. For adventure-seeking, trekking and camping are definitely exciting. Munnar is a balm to your body, mind, and soul.

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Things to see in Munnar:

• Best time to visit: October to March
• Nearest airport: Kochi Airport is 143 km away.
• Nearest railway station: Aluva Railway Station is 110 km away.

Kovalam – Kerala’s Beach Paradise

Listed among the best destination of Kerala, Kovalam is a beauty and one offering cherished experiences. The place offers a lot to tourists. In addition, the pleasant weather, soothing breeze, golden soft sand, and tall coconut trees add more charm to this little piece of paradise. Also, go swimming or bask in the warm sunshine. Get to enjoy lip-smacking seafood. Soothing Ayurvedic massages are also on offer. Relax sunbathing in the warmth or try out water sports like parasailing, snorkeling, etc. Additionally, there are a number of accommodation options suitable for your family, loved one, or for yourself to relax.

Famous Tourist Attractions in Kovalam:

• Best time to visit: September to May
• Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport at 15 km.
• Nearest railway station: Trivandrum Railway Station at 14 km.

Fort Kochi – The Crowned ’Queen of Arabian Sea’

One of the top tourist places in Kerala, Fort Kochi is often the gateway to God’s Own Country. The Queen of the Arabian has multiple personalities. The city has a history, heritage and multi-ethnic culture. Perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and tourists, it is one of the most visited travel destinations in Kerala. Fort Kochi has much to offer, in terms of sights, food and experiences. With museums, palaces, synagogues, Hindu temples, churches, heritage buildings, art galleries, beaches, Fort Kochi tempts you to go exploring. Do not miss to savor some of the cuisines and bring home souvenirs.

Top Places to see near Fort Kochi:

• Best time to visit: September to March
• Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport in the city.
• Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction is 13 km away.

Thekkady (Periyar Tiger Reserve) – Wildlife Adventures in Abundance

Thekkady ranks among the top places to visit in Kerala. It is natural heaven blessed with wilderness snuggled amid the lush greenery of Western Ghats. The forests of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary besides the Periyar Lake are a well-known tourist delight. In addition, coffee and spice plantations are truly amazing. Periyar, one of the 27 Tiger Reserves in India is inhabited by almost 35 species of fauna, like elephants, tigers, sambars, gaurs, etc. Also, almost 265 species of birds inhabit the greenery. In addition, you can enjoy the wildness with activities like safari, jungle patrol, bamboo rafting, jungle camp, border hiking, etc.

Things to see in Periyar Tiger Reserve

• Best time to visit: November to early-May
• Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport at 95 km.
• Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station at 114 km.

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Wayanad – Nature’s very own garden

Wayanad is one of the reasons why Kerala is God’s Own Country. The ‘land of paddy fields’ in Malayalam, this is one of the greenest places to visit in Kerala. The scenic beauty combined with the thrilling adventures makes it a favorite among visitors. Stay in a treehouse, Wayanad has plenty of them. You can learn about tribal heritage as more than 50 tribes inhabits the area. Trekking is one of the exciting pleasures of the town. Walk through picturesque environs, if you are lucky you might spot a Neelakurinji flower which blooms once in 12 years.

Best places to visit near Wayanad

• Best time to visit: October to May. Wayanad is also one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala during monsoon to enjoy the perks of trekking and other adventure activities.
• Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport at 95 km.
• Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station at 72 km.

[Check-out Top 15 Things to do in Wayanad]

Kumarakom – A glimpse of paradise

Situated near Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a tourist paradise. The quiet little hamlet is blessed with alluring sceneries, pleasant weather and an exotic ecosystem. Kumarakom holds a special spot in the list of best places to visit in Kerala. The backwaters are fringed by coconut grooves, fresh paddy fields and villages. Houseboat rides are simply relaxing and out of the world. The delightful authentic food of Kerala is a treat that you definitely should not miss. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the must-visit places in Kerala. It is home to many bird species including migratory visitors, the Siberian storks.

Places to visit in Kumarakom – You can’t miss

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Backwaters, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Beach, Aruvikkuzhi waterfall, Juma Masjid, Temple, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Valiyapally, Cheriyapally, Thirunakkara Mahadeva, and Pathiramal Island.

• Best time to visit: September to May
• Nearest airport: Kochi Airport is 85 km away.
• Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station is 16 km away.

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Thrissur- Kerala’s Cultural Capital

Thrissur the “Cultural Capital of Kerala“is one of the must-visit tourist places in Kerala. Built around a 65-acre hillock, the town is home to several temples, cultural centers, churches and several colorful cultural festivals. If you want to witness history, heritage and culture of Kerala, there is certainly no better place to go. The city was one of the oldest sites of human settlements. There are many relics of megaliths and dolmens belonging to the Neolithic period. The vibrant Thrissur Pooram Festival is one of the major attractions that draws visitors in large numbers.

Top things to do in Thrissur

Thrissur Zoo, Athirapally Waterfalls, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Viyur Jail Park, Temples of Vadakkunnathan, Paramekkavu and Thiruvampadi

• Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport at 50 km.
• Nearest railway station: Thrissur Railway Station is in the city.

[Here are Popular Festivals in Kerala ‘God’s Own Country’]

Thiruvananthapuram – Beach City Built on the Seven Hills

A city thriving with energy yet co-existing with ancient history, Thiruvananthapuram is among the best tourist places in Kerala. The capital city is one of the most beautiful and greenest cities of India. While the blessed beauty is owing to the beautiful beaches along with serene backwaters fringed by palm and coconut groves. While the historic monuments and revered shrines keep the visitors busy. The Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple above all is the holiest. The holy abode of Anantha Padmanabha is a source of spiritual bliss. While you enjoy the city pleasures, indulge in water sports, also experience the charming culture of Kerala.

Best places to visit near Thiruvananthapuram

Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Veli Lagoon, Karamana River, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Napier Museum, Kanakakkunu Palace, Kowdiar Palace, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, along with Attukal Temple.

• Best time to visit: October to February.
• Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport in the city.
• Nearest railway station: Railway station in the city.

Kozhikode – Spicy haven on the Malabar coast

Originally known as Calicut, Kozhikode is a beautiful city in Kerala. Among the must-visit attractions set on the Malabar Coast, the town definitely makes its name. It is well-known as a paradise for those who wish to explore nature and history at its best. From churches, temples, historic monuments to sanctuaries and waterfalls, Kozhikode has everything that one requires to make it a perfect holiday in Kerala. In addition, savor the great blend of different traditions like Arabic and Chinese. Also, the colors of this beautiful amalgam can be witnessed in the food offered by the place. In the meantime do not miss to have a taste of Kozhikode cuisine.

Tourist places near Kozhikode

Mananchira, Conolly Canal, Hilite Mall, Kallayi, Tali Temple, Kappad Beach, Kozhikode Beach, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Sargaalaya, Payyoli Beach, Kozhippara Falls, Matri Dei Cathedral, etc.

• Best time to visit: September to May
• Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport in Calicut is just 28 km away.
• Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station is well within the city limits.

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Debashree Chakraborty

A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com